“I have disappointed those who believed in me, I have damaged the left” – Corriere.it

BRUSSELS — “What he regrets most is that he betrayed the trust of so many people who believed in him”: Antonio Panzeri repeated this to his defender, the lawyer Laurent Kennesone of the most famous in Belgium, who since his arrest on December 9, together with Marc Uyttendaele, has been assisting him in the investigation that has shaken the European Parliament and which identifies the former MEP of Pd and Article 1 as a corrupter in the pay of Qatar and Morocco.

Lawyer Kennes, why did Panzeri repent?
“He admits his responsibilities and wants to negotiate a reduced sentence.”

After 40 days in prison, how are you?
«Bad because he compares his current condition with his past as a respected and respectable man. Now everyone knows that he did something despicable. He tells himself that he has disappointed his family, those who were close to him and those who believed in his politics ».

In Italy, his arrest caused a great outcry.
«Even in Belgium. He regrets having damaged the left, his political side, with his behavior. In the beginning he had come into contact with the Qatari left, which is always far to the right by our standards, but which has shown a minimum of commitment to respect for workers, contributing, between 2017 and 2019, to improving the situation. At first the contact wasn’t negative, it was in line with his beliefs ».

When did you decide to collaborate and why?
“A few days after his arrest, before Christmas, he began to consider the possibility of collaborating. Considering that he is 68 years old and that the trial will probably start when he is 72, he wants this matter to be closed as soon as possible ».

Why is he accused of being corrupt and of having corrupted?
“Corrupt, because before 2019 he was a European parliamentarian, corrupting because he is considered the head of a criminal organization dedicated to corruption”.

The agreement with the judiciary is for a 5-year sentence, one of which in prison. Pretty little.
“No. It’s average. The maximum penalty for those who corrupt is four years in prison, five for the corrupt. For the criminal organization it is ten years”.

But you have declared that Panzeri is not the mastermind of the criminal organisation.
“He’s one of the leaders of an organization that’s not a pyramid structure with a big mafia-style boss. There are people from Qatar and Morocco who propose corruption to other people. Panzeri is only the intermediary. He doesn’t speak French or English, only Italian. So it is difficult to be the boss and to discuss with Qatar and Morocco».

Who is or who are the bosses?
“I can’t answer that question.”

Does the agreement also concern his wife and daughter who are under house arrest?
“No, but my client hopes for better treatment for them too.”

He has pledged to reveal much more. Are there other MPs involved?
“I can not answer”.

Is it true that there are other countries involved?
“My client has been accused of bribery on behalf of Qatar and Morocco.”

Why has no one from Qatar or Morocco been involved so far?
“I do not know. However, these are people who do not live in Belgium and who enjoy ministerial or diplomatic immunities in their countries”.

How many times has Panzeri been questioned?
«Never since he closed the deal (last Tuesday, ed) as a collaborator of justice. Before he spoke, but not with the same relationship of trust that there will be now ».

How are the conditions in prison?
“He’s being held in Saint Gilles, one of the two worst prisons in Belgium. There are several judges who have recognized that the conditions there are contrary to human dignity. My client is in the same situation as the other inmates.’

How does time pass?
“He’s alone in his cell, he can read, watch TV and meet the other inmates.”

Tarabella denies taking any money from Panzeri.
“I’m not talking about what my client has said or will say to justice.”

Kaili said the bag of money at her house was Panzeri’s. How come?
“Kaili tries to defend herself. Panzeri will speak, he will tell the truth. The agreement with the prosecutor provides for an advance declaration, but he will not be the accuser of the others ».